Why do we celebrate Grandparents Day?

They say wisdom comes with age, which means the wisest members of the family will be the grandparents. Grandparents provide love, safety, and security for their families. They have lived a long life, experienced many things, and done everything they can for their children and their families. So of course, their life and efforts deserve to be celebrated with an annual Grandparents Day.

When is Grandparents Day Celebrated?

In many countries, grandparents day is celebrated on different days. In the United States, where the holiday 1st began, it is celebrated on the Sunday after Labor Day. The date for Labor Day changes every year as it is celebrated on the first Monday of September, and it follows that Grandparents Day in the United States has no fixed date as well.

Pope Francis said that the fourth Sunday of July will always be World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. The holiday is held on the last Sunday of October in Australia and August 28 in Mexico. Meanwhile, it is celebrated on the first Sunday of October in the United Kingdom.

In the Philippines, grandparents day is on every second Sunday of September. As a nation that is very family-oriented, Filipinos make the most of grandparents day celebrations, turning it into an occasion that the entire family will enjoy. Many businesses, commercial establishments, hotels, and restaurants organize special events on this day and give special privileges for the elderly. Some events can include free concerts, meal discounts, free passes to museums or theaters, free medical checkups, or special gifts like flowers or chocolate.

The Origin of Grandparents Day

Marian McQuade, a staunch advocate for the elderly and the older generations, is recognized by the United States government as the founder of National Grandparents Day. She encouraged her community to recognize the important contributions of the elderly to society. She envisioned this holiday to be a family day, where families can gather to celebrate the oldest members of the family. Grandparents have a vital role in the family, and this holiday will reaffirm their importance and their valued place in the family and in society.

Of course, not all elderly people had families, children, or grandchildren of their own. As such, Marian McQuade encouraged the youth in her neighborhood to “adopt a grandparent” to learn more about their life, the challenges they have faced, and any best wishes they have for the future.

As a community leader, Marian McQuade was a staunch advocate for the elderly of her community.

Marian McQuade started her campaign for a day to honor grandparents in 1970. The campaign began in her home state. There she worked with the different civic, business, church, and political leaders to first launch Grandparents Day in the state in 1973.

After the success of the holiday in her home state, many supporters and influential community members urged her to take her campaign nationwide. Eventually, she contacted governors, congressmen, and senators to urge each state to declare this holiday. And in 1978, Congress passed the bill and US President Jimmy Carter signed the proclamation that declares the 1st Sunday after Labor Day as National Grandparents Day.

Part of the proclamation reads: “Grandparents are our continuing tie to the near-past, to the events and beliefs and experiences that so strongly affect our lives and the world around us.” The proclamation also says that this holiday is a way “…to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children’s children, and to help children become aware of strength, information, and guidance older people can offer.”

How To Celebrate Grandparents Day

Like any other special family occasion, Grandparents Day is a celebration of family and love. There are many ways to celebrate and show appreciation for the older adults of the family, and whether simple or grand, the day should be spent to honor the grandparents of the family.

Writing Cards and Letters

Children might make cards or write messages to their grandparents to celebrate. It’s a great afternoon art activity that families can do together so kids can gift their grandparents a handcrafted card. Toddlers can participate by fingerpainting the font of the card, while their older siblings can write short notes inside. This loving gesture is sure to be treasured by their doting grandparents.

Gift-giving

Some families can also choose this occasion to give gifts to grandparents. As grandparents are known to spoil their grandchildren and their families, this holiday gives the younger generation a chance to give back and spend time with them. Of course, the best gifts are ones that the recipient is sure to love, so make sure the gifts align with what the grandparents want or need. Wine-loving elders will enjoy a good vintage bottle to add to their collection. Or if they are interested in books, get them the latest work by their favorite author. Clothing and house decor items can also be an option, as well as food and flowers.

Spend the Day Together as a Family

Some grandparents live away from their families, so make an effort to gather everyone to celebrate! Make it a reunion of sorts. Spend time in your family estate or rent a private villa at your favorite resort. Grandparents will enjoy the chance to spend the day with their loved ones, sharing food, laughter, and memories. Of course, take a lot of photos too, as this special day deserves to be commemorated in photos that will last forever.

Volunteer at an Elderly Home

Not all elderly have families that can share this special day with them. But these senior citizens deserve some appreciation too. You can help organize a fun day of activities for the seniors in an elderly home, such as inviting a band to play live music or hosting a movie screening. Make it a fun day filled with fond memories for seniors who may not have families who can visit them.

Give Grandparents the Gift of Luxury Living

Thank the elders of your family with the ultimate gift: a luxury home where they can live in complete comfort. At this stage, luxury living can be a great gift, and what better way to give them that than a property in Brittany.

Brittany Corporation grants the best of luxury living through its world-class exclusive communities. Spacious homes, open spaces, connection to nature, and idyllic scenery are the hallmarks of a Brittany luxury house. With this generous gift, you ensure a life of luxury and comfort for the elders in your family.

The Luxury Communities of Brittany Corporation

As the country’s premier luxury real estate developer, Brittany has several master-planned luxury communities in prime locations. Each community is designed after a beautiful global destination and comes with world-class amenities and top-notch security. A world-class Brittany home is a beautiful and meaningful gift to the seniors of your family.

Vista Alabang

Located along Daang Hari Road is the Italian-inspired community of Vista Alabang. Conveniently located in the growing hub of Alabang, Vista Alabang gives grandparents access to the best establishments in the city while also granting a scenic refuge from the busy area.

Vista Alabang has three luxury enclaves: Portofino Heights, Portofino South, and Amore at Portofino. Each one is designed after the calming beauty and old-world charm of the Italian Riviera. The luxury community features several Italian-inspired fountains, statues, and cobblestone paths. Homes here also have an Italian charm, complete with inner courtyards,  towers, and gabled roofs.

Brittany Santa Rosa

If the grandparents in your family wish to seek refuge in nature, then a luxury house in Brittany Santa Rosa will be the perfect gift for them on Grandparents Day. Nestled in the heart of Laguna, Brittany Santa Rosa offers scenic views of Mt. Makiling and an abundance of nature. It is also conveniently located close to golf courses, making it an ideal community for a fun-filled retirement.

Brittany Santa Rosa has several luxury communities under its banner, including Georgia Club, Augusta, and Promenade. The first two are inspired by the grand American South, while the third community is inspired by the traditional and idyllic English countryside.

Crosswinds Tagaytay

A home in Crosswinds Tagaytay will be a lovely gift for grandparents who prefer a cooler climate. Crosswinds Tagaytay is a pine-tree estate, giving you the atmosphere of Switzerland. The Swiss inspiration does not stop there, however, as the luxury condominiums in Crosswinds are inspired by traditional Swiss mountain chalets.

Have your grandparents wake up with a view by giving them a luxury condominium in the hills of Crosswinds Tagaytay. Alpine Villas and the Grand Quartier have spacious and elegant luxury condominium units available. Or you can also build a luxury house in one of the lots in Lausanne at Crosswinds.

Show Grandparents Some Love

Grandparents have done so much for their families, so they deserve a special occasion for everything they have done. And a luxury home for their retirement is one of the grandest gifts you can give them.

A Brittany home will give them joy and peace for this period in their life. Browse through our website to see all the luxury properties you can gift your grandparents.

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